www.iFourWinns.com

I think you will have no problems leaving it on the hard under those conditions. You will need several days in the low teens before the water in the engine will freeze solid enough to crack the block. If the temps do not show low teens for an extended period, it will be okay. If it were me, I would save the 1.5 hour trip, and just leave the boat where it is now, go out to dinner, and anticipate the fun you will have on the boat this weekend.

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

+1

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2001 Horizon 260 - 7.4 Volvo GSI DP

If what they forecast is what the temp actually is, I'd agree that 31 degrees is not going to cause a problem...but if it's only 3 degrees cooler at 28 degrees....for more than a few hours...that can cause a problem...I'd still drain it.

I'd never own another sterndrive without closed cooling....and a full system at that...because worrying about freezing is a pain....and is one of the things that drives people here to want outboards only on smaller boats (besides not having to worry so much about corrosion, marine fouling and other facts of life in salt water).

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

I understand this thinking by all means, but 1.5 hours is worth the peace of mind I'd get from doing something other than not doing anything. I say go take care of it. It is what I would do.

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Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

I would go drain it or drop it in the water or both. If the motor pops you are going to be mad that you didn't take every oppertunity to prevent it. Or forcast here was for 29 and when I got up it was 18. Don't always trust the forcast especially if it is clear out. This is the exact reason I wont splash until sometime in May as I am worried something is going to break.

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Todd
1988 Four Winns Horizon 200
AKA "Summer School"

Well, I gambled last night and came out ok. It never got below 37 at the lake. The forecast was calling for 33 last night at 11 pm when I went to bed. A couple of local friends with boats told me that they had never had a prob with temps as low as 27 for very short periods of time due to the fact that it warms up so much during the day. At 5 am when I got up the temp was reading 37. It's supposed to get up to 52 today and then drop one more time tonight below freezing for approximately 5 hours with a low of 30. Not sure if I'm gonna go out there yet or not. I'll be watching the forecast like a hawk.

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06' 240 Horizon
Mercruiser 350 mag Bravo III

Mine is in the water and it's supposed to get to 28. I have been told numerous times by boating people that you would have to get below 20 degrees for an extended period of time to do any damage. I left the heat on in the cabin so the only thing I worry about is the engine and since the water temp is obviously above freezing, I am not to worried about it.

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"Where Da Go"
2002 248 Vista
Lafayette, IN
http://blueoceanlife.worldventures.biz

It's not looking good. Lows down to 26 tonight and below freezing for about 8 hours. It's looking like I'll have to head down to the lake and pull the drain plugs and put it in the water. I don't think I've got the guts to gamble on those numbers.

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06' 240 Horizon
Mercruiser 350 mag Bravo III

Pull the drain plugs, and the lower hose off the water pump. That'll drain it all out, and no need to launch then.

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2007 358 T-5.7GXi IB
Previous Boats
'08 H240, '08 V318, '04 268, '04 225

Edit.....

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One of 4 Previous (Sold) Boats:
2000 Four Winns 268 Vista

Current Boat: 2004 Chaparral 235 ssi cuddy

Just pull the plugs, the raw water intake hose and the big hose on the circulation pump on the front of the engine and point them down in the bilge so the water drains out..no need to put it in the water at all..if you can get at em easily its about 15 min of work...and a newer boat like that they won't be frozen with corrosion....here in the salt pond...we put grease on the threads of the plugs...even smear a little grease on the neck of the thermo housing and water pump so the hoses dont corrode on....but one good thing...salt water doesn't even start to freeze till 28 degrees if you are in the water. In fact where our house is located is always about 3-5 degrees warmer than more inland areas because of the insulating effect of the salt water.

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88 Four Winns 200 Horizon
4.3 OMC Cobra-4bbl
2002 Walker Bay 10/2012 Suzuki 2.5
2008 Walker Bay 8

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4.0/Selectrac
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi/Quadradrive II

Geez Justin, you got me all worried about your boat! I too was told many hrs well below freezing is needed to crack a block. But, I think I'd be taking that drive to drain the block! Just think how sore your butt would be after kicking yourself if you DID had a problem
I'll be checking the forum tomorrow for an update.

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2004 180 Horizon
NE Georgia

We had -3 c thats equal to 26 F last night water bottle in the truck was still liquid when I got in this morning at 6:30 am no sign of freezing. Nothing will happen as long as it warms up during the day.

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2006 F150 FX4
2008 H210 SS
5.7 GXI SX
Compass
Ratchet cover
Bow and cockpit covers
Bow cushions
Q&Q

Once again I was convinced by a local boater that it was not necessary to drive down to mess with the boat. I watched the weather updates constantly and it got to 32 for about an hour total (if you believe the National Weather Service). The actual temp sensor is across the lake from my marina for what it's worth. It was 34-36 for most of the night. thankfully this cold spell is over and it'll get to 67 today. I'm heading down there for the weekend on Friday after work and probably put in Saturday morning. I'll get an update on here on Monday to give the status of the boat's engine.

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06' 240 Horizon
Mercruiser 350 mag Bravo III

Just a quick update to those who may be curious. The boat ran like a dream. We cruised all over the lake and had no hiccups whatsoever. GPS clocked us at 52 mph WOT as we flew across the lake! I love my boat.

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06' 240 Horizon
Mercruiser 350 mag Bravo III